New Meth Helpline provides free 24/7 support - Waldron

For more information, contact Terry Waldron (MLA).

The State Government has launched a dedicated, free Meth Helpline to expand the fight against methamphetamine use in Western Australia.

Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA said the important service was another initiative of the $14.9 million Western Australian Meth Strategy announced in this year's State Budget.

“It is very concerning to me that people in the Wagin electorate and other regions across the State are being negatively affected by this devastating drug,” Mr Waldron said.

“I encourage people with meth-related issues to call the Meth Helpline and talk with the professional counsellors about the treatment and support services available to them.”

The Mental Health Commission has allocated $300,000 over two years for this dedicated helpline to provide telephone counselling, information and referral services for anyone concerned about their own, or another person's meth use.

Mr Waldron said Minister for Mental Health Andrea Mitchell had heard the “desperate stories of parents and others at public forums across the State in recent months, asking where to get help and information”.

“The helpline is the place they can get the assistance they need and access services that may potentially be life-changing,” Mr Waldron said.

“Helpline counsellors are professional and non-judgemental and will work with people who are concerned about their own meth use, or that of someone else.”

Mr Waldron said parents, families and friends were encouraged to get support through the helpline.

“Helpline counsellors can link parents and other family members to a network of trained parent volunteers who have experienced their own child's alcohol or drug use,” he said.

The Meth Helpline also provides support via email and the live chat online messaging service.

The Western Australian Meth Strategy includes funding for 60 dedicated meth withdrawal and rehabilitation beds, a specialist meth clinic, placement of specialist nursing resources in hospital emergency departments and expanded school drug education.

Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle urged locals to get help.

“This drug is devastating local families and communities on a daily basis. Just call the helpline now, it might be one of the most important decisions you ever make,” Mr Rundle said.